Notts: Summer reading challenge now underway at county librarie

The official launch of the annual Summer Reading Challenge took place in libraries across Notts at the weekend.

The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge initiative is managed across the county by Notts County Council in its libraries, with children encouraged to read up to six books during the holidays and pick up a series of rewards along the way.

The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful scheme which attracted 9,611 children to take part last year and further promotes the value and fun of reading for children.

Research has shown that keeping up with reading in the summer holidays can boost a child’s literacy skills and confidence.

Across the county on Saturday and Sunday, there were events and drop-in sessions at our libraries for children to learn more about the challenge and to sign up, which children can continue to do throughout the summer period.

This year’s theme of Record Breakers celebrates the 60th anniversary of the popular Guinness World Record Book and three county libraries, including Worksop, got involved in a record attempt.

As part of the launch, the three libraries joined with other libraries across the UK to try to help to set a new Guinness World Records title for the Most Pledges Received for a Reading Campaign.

Meanwhile,Worksop library welcomed Dave Shelton, author and illustrator of A Boy and a Bear in a Boat, at last weekend’s respective events.

Dave’s award winning book has been adapted by playwright Stewart Melton and will be the first production in Notts Children’s Pop-Up Theatre Project, taking place in libraries this summer.

Also this year, Notts Literacy Volunteers are offering their support for the Summer Reading Challenge.

The charity has around 200 volunteers who together give more than 1,000 hours every week in schools to help children with developing their reading skills.

Volunteers will be promoting the challenge with children, giving them a personalised invitation, with some also offering their support as Summer Reading Challenge volunteers in libraries.

We always have wonderful support from volunteers and this year welcomes the additional support of the Notts Literacy Volunteers.

It’s all free fun and a great way to keep children reading over the summer holidays.

Record Breakers will be running in Notts libraries until 6th September.

To find out more about signing up to the challenge, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge